Bhutan is gearing up for the two-week Global Peace Prayer Festival this November. A key feature of the festival is the inclusive Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer in Thimphu, bringing together all sects of Vajrayana Buddhism and other Buddhist traditions. The festival will also feature the profound Kalachakra empowerment, also known as the Prayer for World Peace. So far, over 60 eminent Buddhist masters have confirmed their participation.
The Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer will be conducted at the Changlimithang ground from the 4th to the 10th of November. The prayers will be conducted in the languages preferred by devotees.
“The Buddhist community may follow different traditions, methods, and practices. However, we share a collective commitment to preserving the Buddha Dharma, with a common aspiration to contribute to nation building and to serve the people, while also bringing benefit to all sentient beings,” said Choten Dorji, Laysthog Drungchen, Central Monastic Body.
This spiritual gathering will begin on the 4th of November with the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual at Kuenselphodrang alongside Vajrayana prayers at Changlimithang in Thimphu.
“The Global Peace Prayer Festival aims to bring universal peace in the short term, while in the long run, it seeks to help participants attain enlightenment. Therefore, it is crucial to take part in these events and offer prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings,” said Sangay Dorji, Laytshog Lopen, Central Monastic Body.
During a talk on the festival in the capital yesterday, a story on Lord Indra’s realm, once facing chaos and unrest, was shared.
Seeking answers, the deities approached Lord Buddha, who explained that the turmoil was caused by the harm of four maras bringing misfortune. In Buddhism, the word ‘mara’ is often considered a metaphor of the inner defilements, desires, temptations and illusions.
The Buddha then advised performing the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual, after which peace and harmony were restored. And since then, the ritual has been performed to overcome such challenges.
“The Jabzhi Gyelp is a ritual performed to ward off misfortunes and obstacles, including natural disasters, wars, and conflicts among nations. More broadly, it is conducted for universal peace and for the happiness of the nation, its people, and all sentient beings,” said Choten Dorji, Laysthog Drungchen, Central Monastic Body.
Meanwhile, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will preside over the three-day Kalachakra from the 12th to the 14th of November. Meaning the Wheel of Time, it was taught by Buddha Shakyamuni. Kalachakra illustrates how everything is interconnected: the body, the mind, the earth, and even the stars.
“Kalachakra, one of the supreme teachings of the Buddha, has been preserved through unbroken lineages from generation to generation, from successors and lineage holders to the present promulgators, who will preside over the Kalachakra initiation,” said Choten Dorji, Laysthog Drungchen, Central Monastic Body.
Meanwhile, a Bazaguru recitation will take place coinciding with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s birthday on 11 November at Changlimithang.
Preparations are also underway for 400 offerings, including effigies, ritual cakes, miniature stupas, and butter lamps, which will be set up at Kuenselphodrang in Thimphu.
The festival will conclude with His Holiness conferring nun’s ordination or Gelongma vows to nuns from the 15th till the 19th of November at Tshalumaphey in Thimphu.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Sonam Pem
